Weekend Planner: March 17–18, 2012

This weekend, Greenpeace invites you to a photo exhibition on the true cost of the nuclear industry; St. Patrick's Day events will have you feeling green all Saturday (and possibly the next morning); check out an interactive concert at the Harbourfront Centre; and take advantage of the nice weather with a riverside nature walk.

It's St. Paddy's Weekend! We can see you're literally drooling with anticipation! Photo by {a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardgottardo/6802252609/in/pool-torontoist”}Richard Gottardo{/a} from the {a href=”http://www.flickr.com/groups/torontoist/”}Torontoist Flickr Pool{/a}.

ENVIRONMENT: It’s not easy going green, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Following the one year anniversary of the nuclear disaster in Japan, Greenpeace invites you to a photography exhibition, Shadowlands: From Chernobyl to Fukushima, that examines costs of the nuclear industry. There will also be workshops and panel discussions on the Sunday. Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education (918 Bathurst Street), Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., FREE.

ART: In celebration of the Iranian New Year, check out this exhibition which includes gifts, music, dancing, storytelling, and more. Norouz 2012 features Daf (Percussion, Persian Music) by Hamasseh Daneshzad, storytelling by Naqal Ariel Balevi (in which he delivers folklore about the importance of a perfect cup of tea), and string and Persian music by Marjan Mazaheri. Queen Gallery (382 Queen Street East), Saturday, 4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., PWYC.

ST. PADDY’S DAY: Firstly, the good news. That Guinness shortage rumour that’s been floating around? Yeah, that’s been resolved. Next, get ready for the assortment of leprechaunian events happening around the city:

For those looking to get an early start on the Irish celebration, head on down to the St. Lawrence Market where you’ll find a giant tent with great food and live music. St. Party’s Day also features a U2 tribute band (of course). St. Lawrence Market North Building (92- 95 Front Street E.), Saturday, 11 a.m., ticket prices vary.

The Jones celebrate their new LP release (free copy of the record with admission), with special appearances by the Castor Troys, Paul Price & the Company, and Fraser Young. El Mocambo (464 Spadina Avenue), Saturday, 9 p.m., $6.

The Mod Club’s celebrating with an appearance by electronic artist Lauren Malyon. (Her music sort of sounds like a mix between Joanna Newsom and ’80s synth pop.) The Virgin Mobile Mod Club (722 College Street), Saturday, 10 p.m., FREE.

MUSIC: For many kids it may be the last weekend of March break, but that doesn’t mean it has to go out with a whimper. Check out this free concert series called Fred Piston and His 7 Trumpets—an interactive, music adventure show that explores the dazzles of the trumpet. Harbourfront Centre, Brigantine Room (235 Queens Quay W.), Sunday, 1 p.m., FREE.

NATURE: Hey you. Yeah, you. Did you hear that Toronto just broke temperature records for March? Do you know how to take advantage of that? Go outside—with this Lost Rivers nature walk, a nice stroll in celebration of World Water Day. Meet at Rosedale subway station (1009 Yonge Street), Sunday, 2 p.m., FREE.

Urban Planner is Torontoist‘s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to events@torontoist.com.